New English Bulldog owner seeks adivce

[Hero4u2b]

Hello everyone. I am a new Bullie owner and have had a pup since he was 9 1/2 weeks. He is 4 months old now ( 30lbs all his boosters and rabies) and I am trying to potty train him. I take him outdoors about 8 times daily and there are other dogs where I live ( condo) and everytime Buddy see's another dog or a person he runs up to them and wants to meet them and great them. He has a great disposition and everyone loves him but I was told by the breeder always use a harness with these dogs. I do- but when it is time to leave ( when we are outdoors) he doesn't want to leave. He will watch and wait until another dog or person is out of sight before he will want to continue on with me. Even worst he seems to want to leave with strangers which is a bit embarrassing. "He is like saying I want a new parent" I wrote the breeder who tells me not to use a choke type collar and I have been researching which is best. I do not want this dog to run me. I love him to death and want him to be a good dog. One person told me in shows thats all they use is choke type collars but others say NEVER because of their already exsisting breathing problems. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone. Hero

 

[elearn]

Awww, no he loves you!

I use a Mendota british style slip lead. I was told to not use a harness until they perfect walking with a regular collar because the harness is what makes them use more of their strength. Then for puppy class we had to use buckle collars and leads (no harnesses). Herman will be 6 months soon an I still havent gotten his harness yet, and he loves every dog and every person too. So when I go to the park, I use the buckle collar so he can play with people/dogs without getting choked. When just walking to go potty I use the Mendota (I have the 4' one and 6' one). Don't use a retractable leash, instead get a shorter leash for "get it done and go home walks" to keep him close to you.

And yes, my dog is strong too - bullies can be stubborn and will move when they are ready, and it's like trying to move a wall! Your dog is just very sociable

 

[2BullyMama]

[MENTION=5580]elearn[/MENTION] has given you good advice. as for the wanting to leave with others, I find that a lot of dogs just want to be where ever they are not.... which may give the impression he does not want to be with you. If you have not done so, do the training classes it is a great way to bond and learn to use the right collar/harness for the situation you will be in. I trade off collars and harness depending on where we will be or what we are doing.

And.... to the wonderful world of bulldogs and EBN!!

 

[sweetpeasmom2008]

My puppy is very social to and she will walk up to anyone and everyone! Drives me crazy sometimes but at least they are good with people! I have never tried a choke collar so really cant help you there just wanted to say Hi and WELCOME!!!!!!

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

First of all...


We used a collar when Jake was young..and learning to behave. His first harness was a Gooby Big Dog Harness. I loved it because it has a built in handle on top. I could use it for correction and it is awesome. We have a collar on even with a harness when out because we have to display his tags..but now we only use a harness when walking.




By the way..Jake is STILL learning to behave! :D

 

[LariP]

I cant really help with suggestions on a collar vs lead because HRH was an adult when we got her and she was trained and has always done fairly well with a harness.

She will pull hard toward the car when we are out and she decides she's ready to leave though. She knows that's the way home.

 

[Sherry]

Awww, no he loves you!

I use a Mendota british style slip lead. I was told to not use a harness until they perfect walking with a regular collar because the harness is what makes them use more of their strength. Then for puppy class we had to use buckle collars and leads (no harnesses). Herman will be 6 months soon an I still havent gotten his harness yet, and he loves every dog and every person too. So when I go to the park, I use the buckle collar so he can play with people/dogs without getting choked. When just walking to go potty I use the Mendota (I have the 4' one and 6' one). Don't use a retractable leash, instead get a shorter leash for "get it done and go home walks" to keep him close to you.

And yes, my dog is strong too - bullies can be stubborn and will move when they are ready, and it's like trying to move a wall! Your dog is just very sociable

 

[ChanelnBrutus]

and

We had Brutus on a collar until about 4 months. He did really well on the collar with walking and listening well so then we went to the harness...Brutus was the same way and still he loves everyone not everybully LOL Hope to see some pictures of your little guy! Welcome aboard to the best bullie forum

 

[Hero4u2b]

Thanks everyone. I think I might try a choke collar. One with the leather instead of the solid link metal. Appreciate it all the advice and welcome to the forum. Hero

 

[RiiSi]

Welcome to EBN. I would not use a choke collar on a puppy, leather or chain. He is not that strong yet that you couldn't handle him with a normal collar. There must be something that you can keep his tention on you with. Treats or toy...

 

[Hero4u2b]

Thanks Risi. I am still on the fence about this. The breeder where I got him says NO never on an EBD but then a woman I speak with who is a local breeder and member of the BCA tells me YES thats what everyone use's in shows. I am going to give this some serious thought. I definatly love my puppy and would never want to do anything to jepordize his health or well being but I want him to listen to me when its time to go and leave a person who might be patting him or another person with their dog outside here where I live. He wants to please me his master. They all do. I just want him to be a good dog and not out of control or a dog I cannot handle. Thanks sincerly. Hero

 

[loveabully]

Franklin is 19 weeks an he's the same way sometimes I use a collar sometimes I use a harness an when I want to walk away I just give him a little tug to break his train of thought sometimes I have to push his butt in the direction I want but he normally listens when I do the little tug. He's the sameway love's kids, dogs, people sometimes I think he would rather be with the kids then me but I would NEVER use a choke collar on a EBD he will learneventually practice make perfect oh an turkey lunch meat works great its lean an my dog can't have chicken or grain so lunch meat works great for training. GOOD LUCK an. to EBN you will find everyone is very nice a cares a lot about what you have to say.

 

[BruceP]

to EBN. I think you have gotten good advice so I'll not get into the collar vs Harness thingy.. lol But I'm glad you have joined and I would love to see pix of your stubborn little bully..

 

[Hero4u2b]

Thanks Bruce P Sure I hope this works. This is Buddy

 

[RiiSi]

I use a choke chain on my bullie on dog shows, but that is totally different case. I didn't when he was a pup or don't use it training. It is only for shows and I take it off right away when outside the ring. In my opinion you need to have a control over your bullie before using a choke chain. He looks absolutely precious btw